Hadith #10435

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-accountability and self-control. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications.

The word (qayyidu) "قَيِّدُوا" means to restrict or confine. It implies the need to impose limitations on our own selves, to restrain our desires and impulses, and to exercise self-discipline. This self-restriction is an essential aspect of spiritual growth and development, as it enables us to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

The term (al-muhasabah) "الْمُحاسَبَةِ" refers to self-accountability. It entails introspection, self-reflection, and evaluating our actions and intentions. By holding ourselves accountable, we become conscious of our deeds and strive to rectify any shortcomings or mistakes. This self-audit helps us to improve our character and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (amlīkūhā) "أمْلِكُوها" means to control or possess. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the need to have mastery over our desires and whims. We are encouraged to resist the temptations that lead us astray from the path of righteousness. By exerting control over our desires, we can prevent ourselves from engaging in sinful or harmful actions.

The term (al-mukhālafah) "الْمُخالَفَةِ" means opposition or defiance. It signifies the need to oppose our base desires and inclinations that contradict the teachings of Islam. This opposition is a manifestation of our commitment to obeying Allah's commandments and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

To understand the significance of self-accountability and self-control, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18):

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-accountability and encourages believers to reflect on their actions and intentions. By being mindful of our deeds and their consequences, we can strive to improve ourselves and seek Allah's pleasure.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

وَٱبْتَغِ فِيمَآ ءَاتَىٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلْءَاخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَأَحْسِن كَمَآ أَحْسَنَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ ۖ وَلَا تَبْغِ ٱلْفَسَادَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the importance of self-control and urges us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. It reminds us to use the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah in a righteous manner and to avoid engaging in corrupt practices.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions, exercise self-restraint, and oppose their base desires. By holding ourselves accountable and exerting control over our souls, we can strive for spiritual growth and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This self-discipline and self-control are essential for leading a righteous and fulfilling life, both in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.